Map of the Yucatan/ Approximate Distances

August 20, 2007 5:55 pm Dangers Previous Hurricanes Archive

 Over the last few days, as it became apparent Hurricane Dean was going to make a Yucatan Landfall, sometime early Tuesday morning, I’ve been asked many times about the locations of many of the array of towns, villages and areas mentioned. Below is map of the Yucatan Peninsula, noting major cities and towns, along with certain points of interest.

Currently, the anticipated track of Hurricane Dean from the National Hurricane Center in Florida is indicating a landfall between the Felipe Carillo and Chetumal region, just North of the Mexican border with the country of Belize. This area includes the ecological reserves of Sian Ka’an and Uaymil. As of the most recent reports from the NHC, the area of Punta Herrero, to Majahual, to Xcalak on the coast, inland to Bacalar, and offshore, Chinchorro, appears extremely vulnerable to Hurricane Dean which is currently a very strong Category Four (4) Hurricane with winds measured at 150 MPH. Dean is expected by NHC projections to reach 156 MPH winds or stronger before striking the Yucatan, making it a very dangerous Category Five (5) Hurricane.

It’s important to keep in mind that the NHC has noted that Hurricane strength winds will extend outwards of up to 60 miles from the storms center, with Tropical Storm strength winds outwards of 200 miles.

The area projected for landfall is populated by not only towns but many small Maya villages that will be extremely vulnerable to Hurricane Dean’s strength. Flooding and heavy rain is also expected, as are storm surges and heavy surf along the coast. These towns and villages are traditional buildings, not the concrete pleasure palaces of Cancun, and in many cases the smaller villages, are areas populated by palapa housing, common to the Maya.

 In an effort to assist readers with distances, the following are approximate distances from Cancun in the Northern Yucatan.

Cancun to Tulum: 80 Miles

Cancun to Felipe Carillo: 140 Miles

Cancun to Majahual: 190 Miles

Cancun to Chetumal: 240 Miles

Yucatan

Stay Calm, Stay Safe, Stay Smart…

Posted By Dangers

Jim
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2 Responses

  1. Michael Smith Says:
    August 20th, 2007 at 6:16 pm

    Great job guys. I have been blogging on the BBC and noticed that several Belizean residents are frustrated that no one is keeping an eye out for them. You’ll no doubt know that there is also a very big North American and European expat community strung out along the inner cays and they could come under a severe hammering. So perhaps if anyone has anything interesting to say or to comfort those guys down there I know it’ll be appreciated.
    In the interim, let’s ride out tonight and hope our fellow residents down south get through safely too.
    Best
    Michael ( Cancun Brit contingent)

  2. elizabeth Says:
    August 20th, 2007 at 6:52 pm

    Thanks so much for the map. I just found out my friend and his entire family have taken a one-year sabbatical in Merida. I knew they were in Mexico with his in-laws but I didn’t know exactly where. Keeping all of you in my prayers.